Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour has launched the search for its 2020 Power List: Our Planet, looking for 30 women who are making a significant positive contribution to the environment or the sustainability of our planet.

The List will be announced in a live programme on Monday 16 November, presented by Jane Garvey.

The Power List: Our Planet will showcase inspirational initiatives and stories that are bringing about real change at all levels of society - from influencing global policy and changing human behaviour, to inventing eco-friendly products, spearheading scientific research, volunteering in community gardens, and inspiring a deep love of the natural world.

Globally, women are on the front line when it comes to the consequences of environmental change. They are the people most likely to collect water, food and fuel - all of which are becoming scarcer or more expensive. Women are also more likely to face poverty and financial insecurity, making it harder to adapt to a changing world. This list aims to recognise and champion the women who are doing something about these issues.

The search for this year’s Power List will be led by Head Judge, journalist Lucy Siegle. She will be joined by horticulturalist and presenter Flo Headlam; Professor Alice Larkin, Head of the School of Engineering and climate change researcher at the University of Manchester; Zunaira Malik, who works for the UK environmental education charity Action for Conservation; and Chair of the Environment Agency, Emma Howard Boyd.

Between them they will select 30 women from across the UK who are making an outstanding contribution towards improving the world around us. They can be operating at a local, national or international level and will include decision makers, innovators, communicators, campaigners and volunteers.

Karen Dalziel, Editor of Woman’s Hour, says: “This feels a really important Woman’s Hour Power List given the urgent need to protect our environment, combat climate change and find a more sustainable way to live. I’m excited to hear from the women who are leading the way and inspiring others with their innovation, perseverance and passion to bring about lasting change.”

More detail on the Woman’s Hour Power List can be found here

Woman’s Hour broadcasts on BBC Radio 4 at 10am Mondays-Fridays, and 4pm on Saturdays. The daily podcast can be downloaded from BBC Sounds.